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The Takeaway

uniedbda

Updated: Jan 24

A takeaway is something, often covered food, to be enjoyed later. At times, the covering increases interest in that which is concealed. Artists appreciate this. George Segal covered his friends and family with plaster, and Christo famously wrapped artifacts, buildings, and coastlines, encouraging people to pause and see familiar objects with a fresh perspective. 


However, a takeaway is also a significant point or insight one can carry forward after an experience. 


So, what memories do I have? What am I wrapping up or saving for future reflection, understanding, or benefit? Can I know already? We take with us what nourishes us, both literally and figuratively. 


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December 2, 2024, was a rainy Monday morning. My wife let me use the car to get to work instead of riding my scooter as I usually did. The traffic, as expected, moved at a snail's pace. I did not mind because this was the prep day before exams, and I did not have my usual 8:30 am class. 9:00 would be fine. I turned on the radio. After one or two forgettable songs, another one started. Immediately, it felt brand new and much better than the previous ones. I realized quickly that it was a tune I heard years before. I heard lovely piano chords and Lionel Ritchie's smooth voice. 


I like Lionel and have done so since my college days. This would be another great love song, I thought. He started by saying, “I wanted you for life- you and me” but then there was a slow, unexpected deviation from my anticipation. He said- “It’s not easy to say goodbye.”


I was not expecting that.

I cried like a baby.

I was not expecting that either.


I have always hated to think about endings, growing old, losing loved ones, or moving on. When that arises, I contemplate something else and remember my belief that there is a God and that He will eventually wipe away every tear.


At the end of this academic year, I will retire, ending 27 years of teaching at Bermuda College and 40 years in art education. I am not the young man, teacher, or person I used to be, whether I like it or not.


After arriving at school, I passed my colleague as he was counseling a student of ours. It was a situation where I could pause and contribute before moving on. As I often do with each student, I saw myself in them and hoped my words were motivational and encouraging. I saw the continuation of the familiar sharing cycle: learn, earn, and return.


The encounter lasted only a few minutes and was no different from so many others, but it was personally sobering and refreshing. The student, however, would not know that I, too, was vulnerable and needed motivation and encouragement or that the encounter with them had assisted me.


I felt better. 


We need each other.


I had a renewed resolve and acceptance to: 

Appreciate and value the positivity that surrounds me.

Encourage bravery and self-confidence.

Seek and create opportunities

Communicate with genuine listening

Know when to say when- not second-guess choices.

View time as a vapor- count my days and make each count.

Accept each day as a gift and an opportunity to be a gift to someone.

Remember, I have much to be thankful for, and I am not alone.


Takeaways.


January, 2025





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